Pinch hitting: Simply Smoov
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Feb 04, 2009 
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The pinch hitter series continues today with Chris from Simply Smoov
Chris is from Harlem and will turn 21 in March. He is sophomore in college and works in security at Yankee Stadium. He also helps moderate 161st & River. His favorite Yankees are Tino Martinez, Bobby Murcer and CC Sabathia.
Here’s his post:
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Any other year, a third-place finish for my Yankees would make for a miserable season. No playoffs, abysmal offensive production, all the injuries. Too many negative factors to count. Except I got to be an usher at Yankee Stadium for the final season — and had the most fun of my life.
To me, working in Yankee Stadium is more than just a free seat to a game. It was great to take in the atmosphere of every game and every event that took place in the Stadium and reflect on the great moments that I got to see live and on TV as a fan. I learned to completely appreciate the 13 seasons I spent watching games on 161st & River Ave., a ten-minute train ride from 125th St. Normally I don’t like to brag, but I managed to become the envy of my friends.
I also experienced many firsts in 2008 while working the 3B side (box 86-88 from Opening Day through the Angels series, box 56-58 the rest of the season): my first Red Sox game, my first Old Timers’ Day, first time in the Field Level. All experiences I don’t think I ever would’ve experience had I not signed up to be an usher at the Stadium. I also got a chance to interact with the fans, play manager and witness moments like Josh Hamilton’s display during the Home Run Derby. I couldn’t ask for a better experience.
Not bad for a soon-to-be 21-year-old college student from the hood, huh?
But with the good comes the bad:
Cotton-Eyed Joey needs to go back where he came from. Save “God Bless America” for weekend games; it really is overkill at this point. Working on the 3B side of the Field level in the summer is unbearable
But those would be small prices to pay for a chance to work across the street. I’m not sure yet what to expect at the new Stadium; many things will have changed. But one thing never changes: whether you are a fan, player or employee, the Yankee Stadium experience is what you make it. I plan to do everything I can to make the Yankee Stadium experience enjoyable for everyone if I get rehired.
April 3, 2009 – hopefully I’ll be greeting you all from the Legends/Field seats. See you all across the street.
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That sounds like a great job, Chris. Thanks for your post. Coming tomorrow: Kevin from Zell’s Pinstripe Blog.
Great post. Most security officials at the old stadium were great to fans. Hopefully Chris gets to keep his job in the new park.
Agreed about Cotton Eyed Joey. God Bless America I could go either way on.
You’re the luckiest kid in the world. Willie Wonka Golden Ticket lucky.
get rehired? They should just let everyone from the previous year who did a good job, keep thier job. Cotton Eye Joe and God Bless America both need to go… they are just overdone at this point. Good post… cya at the new stadium this year! (Not in the Legends Seats for me though)
cj ur the man!! 161st and river.com all the way baby. ill visit you all season again!
I bet the pay is not bad at all
Don’t really care much for cotton eyed joe, but I think you guys are all wrong for wanting to get rid of God Bless America. I’ve been to the stadium and it hasn’t ever bothered me. Besides I don’t think its too much trouble to honor America and those who served for our freedom just by standing there in respect for what 3 minutes?
The Kate Smith version of GBA lasts all of 1 minute and 10 seconds. It’s better than listening to Ronan Tynan drag it out for 2 and a half minutes on a quick night.
repost:
GreenBeret7
February 4th, 2009 at 12:37 am
m
February 4th, 2009 at 12:10 am
GB,
I issued a challenge in the last thread to you. But I addressed it to GP. No idea who that is.
Anyway, I just finished the Rosenthal article. It’s nice that someone is writing on behalf of Cashman.
I know Torre is hurt that Cashman didn’t fight for him in the winter of ‘07. But how many times did he expect Cash to go to bat for him? The lose in the first round was getting old. It may not have been Torre’s fault, but you can’t fire the players.
And I’ll say it again, Cashman always brought in reinforcements for the troops to make that final push. It’s not like Torre was playing with an empty hand.
——————————————————————————————
Ml, thanks. I read it, just don’t agree about the bullpen thing. Nobody complained about the use of the bullpen until 2002 when Nelson and Stanton left. Every time I see somebody talk about the abuse of Tanyon Sturtze, i want to puke. To begin with, he never pitched that many innings because he always got bombed. He was strictly mop up. Tampa had hin in the rotation for years and put him in the pen and pitched him a 100 innings. Quantrill was ridden like a horse by Toronto and the Dodgers for years. Torre used him about te same way because he wanted the work. Every body else was pitchers that had long histories of arm injuries, like Karsay and Gordon.
Proctor was a starter before going to the pen. He was in NYY for two half seasons and one full season. Look at his last year and a half. Great years for a midle relief pitcher and, his numbers in the last part of 2007 with the Dodgers were just as good.
People whined about that because they were generally the same ones that whined about Rodriguez not hitting in the clutch. They would never admit that having a lousy rotation had anything to do with how much a bullpen got used. Torre had a lot of faults, but, not having a reliable pitching staff that stayed healthy wasn’t on him. I hated the caste system he had, and people wont admit it, but, Jeter, Clemens and Posada ate it up. Love those guys as players, but, they had their own clique. Nobody got in unless Jeter said so, and, Posada wasn’t going to buck it.
It’s much like what Joe DiMaggio had. If you were a friend, you were in, but, talk out of turn or say something and you were dead as far as he was concerned. You never got back in.
Saw your reply, G7. You are definitely the Lone Ranger on Torre’s bullpen management. Torre might not have ruined any arms, but Joe G schooled him on how to manage the bullpen this year. (That means he owned him, not actually taught him how to manage the pen. Point to the new school guys.)
I’ll leave you guys with one last LOL courtesy of the Times:
“People expect us to get in on Manny, but it’s not going to happen. We’re in the nonroster invitee mode. He’s a great player, but when you look at our payroll, *we’re tapped*.”
Ever since Sam took over this blog, everything changed.
This blog now is more action packed, exciting and dynamic!
Keep the good work up.
Thanks Sam!
Verlander and Tigers agree to 1/$3.675.
I listened to the WFAN interview but I missed the part when Torre flipped stance on Clemens.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02.....ref=sports
m
February 4th, 2009 at 12:51 am
Saw your reply, G7. You are definitely the Lone Ranger on Torre’s bullpen management. Torre might not have ruined any arms, but Joe G schooled him on how to manage the bullpen this year. (That means he owned him, not actually taught him how to manage the pen. Point to the new school guys.)
I’ll leave you guys with one last LOL courtesy of the Times:
“People expect us to get in on Manny, but it’s not going to happen. We’re in the nonroster invitee mode. He’s a great player, but when you look at our payroll, we’re tapped.”
————————————————————
Yeah, but, Girardi only had to deal with Farnsworth for 4 months, and actually had good, young bullpen pitchers….something Torre didn’t have for 6 years. He had Rivera and not much else.
Great job to have!
and finally something that isn’t about Torre!!!!!!!
pat
February 4th, 2009 at 1:03 am
I listened to the WFAN interview but I missed the part when Torre flipped stance on Clemens.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02.....ref=sports
————————————————————
Maybe he’s getting prepared to get a call to testify and wants to get his story cleaned up, this time.
Ah I was excited and everything after that article I read in spanish about Manny signing with the Yanks.
Sports Video of the Day about 1/2 way down the page.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html
“Don’t really care much for cotton eyed joe, but I think you guys are all wrong for wanting to get rid of God Bless America. I’ve been to the stadium and it hasn’t ever bothered me. Besides I don’t think its too much trouble to honor America and those who served for our freedom just by standing there in respect for what 3 minutes?”
i couldnt agreew you more dave! ive hated cotton eyed joe since it came out and would be more than glad to see it go1 on the otherhand, i see nothing wrong with spending 3 minutes of my time honoring my country while attending our countries pasttime! maybe the other mlb teams should take a cue from what the yankees due in that regard!
How do you get a job as an usher at Yankee Stadium?
If they wanna have “God Bless America” as often as they do, they should at least have someone sing it live. The Kate Smith recording is just not doing it…
Great post Chris! I hope you get the job this season. I totally agree on cotton eye Joe. And I really don’t like the YMCA bit. But I think the sentiments on God Bless America reflect how soon we all forget 9/11. I do agree with mko that it should be sung live, but I don’t think we should ever forget or stop reminding ourselves!
Hoping to see you at the Stadium this year!
Finally – some real baseball news. That part about Joba playing catch with Chien-Ming provided a imaginative visual. Bring It On!
http://web.yesnetwork.com/news.....amp;vkey=4
should probably read ‘an excellent imaginative visual’ or something to that effect.
What a rotation. Hopefully Chien-Ming can get that heavy sinker back in action and not miss a lick.
This probably won’t deter those who are unrealistically still clamoring for Manny Ramirez to don the pinstripes, but Cashman himself says it’s not going to happen:
Manny to the Yankees — officially dead: The Yankees are done with their big spending and have no room left to pursue Manny Ramirez. Sorry, folks, but right now the Yankees are trying to sign more guys like Angel Berroa. The Yankees payroll will be reduced in ‘09 and Manny’s bat isn’t going to change that.
“Ultimately, we’ve made our decision,” Cashman said. “We chose to put that money into Mark Teixeira to play first base. I do hear rumblings about people actually expect us to get in on Manny. That’s not going to happen. We respect his abilities, there’s no doubt about it, but we’re now in the non-roster invite mode.”
Cashman knows the Yankees have been anointed the Hot Stove champs. It doesn’t mean anything: “I don’t care about headlines in December or January. What ultimately translates is getting enough W’s to be the last team standing.”
Oops, link for above citing:
http://bombersbeat.mlblogs.com.....shman.html
Let’s see. Ditch God Bless America during the week huh? You know they will replace it with Take me out to the ball game or some other ritual type song. In that context your choice is all wrong. I agree it would be nice to have it sung live but in a stadium mostly full of we that have some privilege and means (not saying I am rich but if you can afford a ticket you are not poor) we should remember those who made tough choices and defended our country so we can watch a game in a safe and beautiful place, not to mention those who have been lost in 911 and other places when America was attacked. We all lost friends during 911 and I think that this song having come from that is a terrific time to remember them and what is really important. I know Chris is only 21 and was only 13-14 during the attack but he needs more perspective and understanding that will come with time.
GREAT post chris! somebody just telling thier story, not trying to sell anything, well done! the stadium (and alot of other buisnesses around) can use a young man like you who understands how to take care of thier guests! hospitatlity is a lost art, especially in NY.
first off, the kate smith version of GBA is a joke, horrible edits and the sound is terrible. i understand the significance of her version to people who are over 80, but if you’re going to play it, either find another version or re-edit the one you’re using, its embarrasing.
second, cotton-eyed-joe? are we in des moines?
“we should remember those who made tough choices and defended our country so we can watch a game in a safe and beautiful place”
thats why we play the national anthem.
“thats why we play the national anthem”
Yup – your right the same old recording of “take me out to the ballgame” is a much better use of our time during the 7th inning stretch. Please!!!
I say get a better version and live performers for as much as possible but lets not play the same mindless drivel as other stadiums during that time.
im 49 a navy veteran, all my uncles fought in WWII (one didnt come back) and 4 of my cousins fought in vietnam. so a little more age and perspective isnt going to change my mind. i think playing GBA in the 7th is pretentious.
its also a terrible recording. if the yankees want to climb up on thier pretetious high-horse, which they so often like to do, they should at least spend a dime to clean-up that joke of a version of the song they play. its like 4 badly cut pieces of the song cut together and it sounds like it.
i remember when kate smith sang the song for the flyers back in the 70’s it still had meaning to a ton of people b/c WWII people still made up a huge chunk of the sports viewing public but that was 35 years ago, pretty much nobody from WWII is in attendance at most games and the rest dont understand why you have to use a ridiculously outdated and poorly edited version of the song.
Get me tickets Chris!
Good post Chris
“I say get a better version and live performers for as much as possible ”
I hear Suzyn Waldman is available.
“Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.”
Seriously, Ham I agree. It sounds like Bob Shepard cued up the vintage 45 lp player.
i say play ‘this land is your land’ once in a while.
Ray Charles “America the Beautiful” gets to me every time.
tarheel, i think GBA predated 45’s. im sure its a 78 (if not a wax cylinder)
I say replace “God Bless America” with either of the following songs by The Clash: Straight to Hell and I’m So Bored With The USA.
If you constantly need a song drummed into your head every day to be reminded of 911 and our soldiers who have fought in countless wars over the past century, you might not only benefit from electro shock therapy, but you would be much better served by liberally using your library card to actually read factual accounts of these brave men and women and foregoing a live game and donating the money instead to any number of veteran causes such as the DAV.
Gotton Eyed Joe is an assault on the senses
YMCA should go with it
Shoot anyone who suggests Macarena
God Bless America has beomce trite and meaningless, but if it stays can we get Billy Joel or The Boss to do a version as opposed to that hideously unlistenable recording
America the Beautiful should be our national anthem
86W and the boss are lefties….
I will agree that any version would be better than Ms. Smith’s old scratchy recording.
Finally, a fill-in that was fresh and unique. Loved it. I was getting tired of the same ole’ topics and one particular post was some really bad writing, all over the place.
It is time to get rid of God Bless America – period. We all love this country. I don’t need to have faux patriotism shoved down my throat at a baseball game and the fact that stadium personnel force you to stay in your seat is itself un-American. Also, it’s a terrible song.
Holy Cow chris! what a great job! you’re clearly not taking it for granted. at 21 that is outstanding . keep up the good work!
“America the Beautiful” or “God Bless America” are just fine. As long as the Yankees never resort to something silly like “Sweet Caroline” at the Green Sardine Can. That is the pits.
Ham… how did you know I was lefthanded?
Good post Christ, but I have a huge question for you. Would you please tell me why, oh why, do the Yankee Stadium ushers keep people from moving into the good seats when they are abandoned late in the game?
This is such a ridiculous policy. Other stadiums allow fans to get close late in the game. It would seem to be harmless and promote goodwill with the fans.
Is this a policy? Has there been any explanation of this policy?
Thanks
Simply Smoov…great name.
Agree with you about the music in the Stadium, it’s time to switch it up. Hope you can get rehired, it’s tough out there, but the Yankees seem to be doing pretty well.
Its great to see a fellow Harlemite post a blog man! I am proud of you.
First, thanks for the love everyone. Glad y’all enjoyed my lil’ blurb.
Yanks in Austin, yeah that actually *IS* Stadium policy and I personally think it’s ridiculous. The basics of it, though, is a precaution so no one jumps on the field. One idiot that wants to “prove” something ruins it for everyone. Nothing I can really do about it.
Sean, unfortunately I can’t get you tickets but our site 161st & River has a forum where you can sell and buy tickets: http://www.161st-and-river.com.....ay.php?f=8
I liked your post, Simply Smoov: More story than opinionizing, which is refreshing in the world of blogs. I hope you keep working on your writing and I hope you are re-hired across the street.
Best,
john
Joe, I was only 13 too. I’m perfectly aware of the great men and women who serve our country overseas, but I personally don’t need to hear Kate Smith’s “GBA” every game. Maybe find a different version or have someone sing live, that’s perfectly fine with me.
Gus, I found out the other day that we’re getting $11/hr next season (up from $9/hr aka lower than Shea)
Douggy Bombs checking in from 161st-and-River.com – great post CJ and way to rep the site! It’s been fun hanging with you at the games when we’ve gone, and I agree with a lot of your points.
To all of you saying that God Bless America should stay what it is I ask you this: If it’s so “meaningful” why is a recording played? There is nothing wrong with taking time out to acknowledge the contributions of our service men and women and those who gave or lost their lives, but there IS something wrong when that ceremony becomes a ceremony by rote and routine over a ceremony that stands for something. It doesn’t have the same meaning it did in the weeks and months after 9/11, and you can tell when everyone slogs through it with the apathy of Christmas and Easter catholics “doing their holiday duty”…our soldiers and dead deserve better than that.
And to those here, feel free to visit us at 161st-and-river.com, we’re a growing community for Yankees fans.
Looking forward to chilling sometime this year in the new stadium…MIGHT be able to get opening day tix without paying through the nose heh heh…best of luck keeping your job and taking your place of work across the street
-D
As far as getting rehired, I gotta take a refresher course at the Securitas office on the 14th. So I could know pretty soon if I move across the street.
no.27, it was in the Daily News classifieds
yup, that simple hahahah
This is the first guest post that I desperately wanted to be longer. More details, please!
Good luck, Chris!
must be a fun job.
you don’t happen to know the woman who kicked me out of that one empty handicapped section during the top of the 9th on september 15th?
well, you deserve to go with the team across the street, not her!
saucy, depends on where you were sitting. if it was on the 1b side, probably not. on the 3b side, maybe
I am so jealous. I would play God Bless America and Cotton Eyed Joe on loop 24/7 for the chance you got.
haha. it was 1b side and i wasn’t even sitting… just trying to watch Mo close it out.
ok, then no i don’t think i know her
Thanks Smoov. And I am sure you forgive me for adding a “t” at the end of your name. Typo… or not?
Terrific blog, Chris. Thanks for sharing your experiences as an usher at Yankee Stadium – a really interesting read and perspective. I hope you are able to experience that at the new stadium this year – you’d be an asset.
Great post man… one of my favorite guest blog posts yet. I’m your same age and I gotta admit, I’m just as jealous as your friends. Nice work.
CJ, great post, just wanted to say it here as well as on 161st-and-river.com. Totally agree with you and Drew about the hole GBA “ceremony”, turn it in to something to respect my friends over seas, or stop doing it. btw, JoBa IN TeH BuLLpEnZZZ iZ TeH PWNSAUCE!
great post chris!!